Myles Garrett: The Bulwark of Cleveland's Ironclad Defense
Myles Garrett has firmly entrenched himself as one of the most formidable defensive forces in the NFL. As the cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns' defense, Garrett's impact last season was nothing short of monumental. Garnering the coveted AP Defensive Player of the Year award, Garrett set a new benchmark for elite defensive performance, which has put him in the conversation with some of the greatest defensive players of all time.
Garrett’s impressive statistics from last season underscore his dominance. In 16 games, he recorded 42 tackles, 30 quarterback hits, 14.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defended. These numbers, however, merely scratch the surface of his overall impact. With 86 pressures, 57 hurries, and a pressure rate of 18.6%, Garrett was an omnipresent threat to opposing offenses.
Over his career, spanning 100 games, Garrett has amassed 88.5 sacks. This extraordinary feat places him third on the all-time career sacks list since 1982, trailing only the legends Reggie White and T.J. Watt. Additionally, Garrett has maintained a remarkable consistency, recording 14+ sacks in each of the last three seasons and achieving double-digit sacks for six consecutive seasons. Furthermore, he shares the record with Von Miller for the most games with at least one sack.
Garrett’s relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in his own words. "The focus is finding a way to improve," he states. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of this improvement, Garrett continues, "Whether that's mentally, being a leader, being more vocal, leading by example. And then physically, how can I stay at the peak of my powers? I can work on some of the things I'm really good at, but also some of my weaknesses as well."
During the offseason, Garrett dedicates himself to self-improvement, critically analyzing his performance and identifying areas for growth. "During the offseason, I always try to find things I'm weak on," he explains. He elaborates on his approach, saying, "The explosive work that we do, change of direction, and play recognition. But I can also work on some hand movements I'm not especially good at, or I can see that someone else is better than me at that position." Through examining the techniques of others, Garrett looks to enhance his own skills: "Looking at them, seeing how I can improve. Just trying to get their process and using it to make it my own."
Garrett’s influence extends beyond his individual achievements. The Cleveland Browns’ defense, with Garrett at the helm, led the NFL in allowing the fewest yards per game at 270.2. They also posted a league-leading 49% three-and-out rate. Efficiency was the hallmark of the Browns' defense, as they dominated in yards per possession (20.7) and plays per possession (4.5), and they allowed the fewest first downs per game (14.5).
As Garrett continues to evolve and set new standards, his hunger for improvement remains insatiable. His commitment to personal and team success has solidified his status as a defensive stalwart and a leader both on and off the field. The Cleveland Browns, propelled by Garrett’s tenacity and skill, are primed for continued defensive excellence, making them a formidable opponent in the NFL landscape.